UK coronavirus cases jump to 1,542

The total number of confirmed cases of coronavirus across the UK now stands at 1,543, up by 171 in one day.

The current death toll stands at 37 in the UK, but this will be updated later today.

The transport secretary, Grant Shapps warned commuters on Monday that due to the rapid decline in people using trains, they could be shut down.

Shapps said if demand falls further then there is a risk trains being cancelled as there is “no point in running ghost trains.”

Shapps warned on Monday morning that a UK lockdown is on its way, Boris Johnson has also refused to rule out placing entire cities in total lockdown.

Shapps told Sky News, “The UK has probably just been at a slightly different stage – compared with places like Italy but also a little behind where France and Germany are.”

An expert in infectious diseases warns UK of an “apocalypse” over the government’s chief medical officer, Sir Patrick Vallance figures of those who will be infected by the summer.

Professor Francois Balloux, of University College London warned the government’s chief scientific advisor, Sir Patrick Vallance, that his approach to the virus is a “big gamble.”

The government are set to give police new powers to arrest those who are not self-isolating, Matt Hancock said.

The Health Secretary said “we will stop at nothing” in combating the coronavirus pandemic.”

Hancock said that bars, restaurants, shops except supermarkets and pharmacies may all close, he further announced that over 70s will soon be told to stay indoors for up to four months.

TV’s Shebab Khan, who spoke with government sources said on Saturday evening, “The approach and strategy is to delay the spread of the virus so the measures could include closing down schools, bars, clubs, shops, restaurants.

The UK shutdown of entire cities could be imposed within just 20 days, according to ITV.